A new report from Consumer Focus Scotland highlights the key role that area-based projects can play in improving consumer take-up of energy efficiency services in Scotland.
Energising Communities: Learning from Area-Based Energy Efficiency Projects in Scotland sets out the context in which energy efficiency activity in Scotland is taking place and the importance of area-based approaches, particularly in targeting disadvantaged consumers.
It also provides an overview of existing area-based projects in Scotland and examines the factors which have influenced success in different areas, as well as the challenges that remain for this type of approach. It highlights the fact that Scotland is well placed to build on existing area-based energy efficiency activity and concludes that an area-based approach to this issue can deliver important social and environmental benefits, especially in areas with higher concentrations of people living in fuel poverty.
The report also makes recommendations to ensure that as further projects of this kind are developed, their design reflects experience, learning and good practice from existing projects.
Andrew Faulk, energy policy specialist at Consumer Focus Scotland, said:
“The combination of rising energy prices and the need to reduce climate change emissions means that government, the energy industry and consumers all need to raise their game on energy efficiency. While a targeted and well-resourced programme for those most in need is the priority, there is an important role for area-based approaches to widen the take-up of energy efficiency services.
“Area-based projects allow for services to be delivered through organisations already trusted at a local level and for the service to be integrated with all appropriate support mechanisms and resources. They can also be more cost-effective and streamlined and better able to meet consumers’ expectations.
“Challenges certainly remain, and this report highlights some of the key ones such as the complexity of funding arrangements and lack of local capacity, but we believe that area-based approaches are an increasingly important part of delivering what is needed on energy efficiency.”
The publication of the report is timely as the Scottish Government embarks on a new area-based programme, the Universal Home Insulation Scheme, with £10 million funding enabling free energy efficiency measures to be offered to around 90,000 households. The report’s findings will aim to help inform those involved in the implementation of this new programme.
ENDS
Ryan Norton
Communications Manager
Consumer Focus Scotland
Royal Exchange House, 100 Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3DN
Tel: 0141 227 1852
Mob: 07920 870 101
Email: ryan.norton@consumerfocus.org.uk
Website: www.consumerfocus-scotland.org.uk